A Federal High Court in Abuja has once again stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Tuesday, following an application by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged that he was unlawfully barred from purchasing the nomination form for the position of National Chairman.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention.
“In a constitutional democracy, due process of law must be strictly observed by those in authority. To act otherwise is to endanger the very foundation of democracy itself,” Justice Lifu said.
He ruled that the PDP failed to meet legal requirements for conducting its national convention, including the publication of a timetable as required by law.
Justice Lifu further noted that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, stressing that the former governor would suffer irreparable harm if excluded from the process.
“Under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts must not abdicate their responsibility of delivering justice without fear or favour,” he added, warning that judicial silence could breed anarchy.
The ruling effectively restrains the PDP from holding the convention on the slated dates or at any other location, while also directing INEC not to monitor or recognise any gathering organised under the same pretext.
